Stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly

ABSTRACT

A stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly having a paddle member with a proximal end and a distal end and a support assembly with an upper support surface with a left edge and a right edge, a frame separating the upper support surface from a ground surface, a following arm having a proximal end coupled to the support assembly, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and operable to rotate from a first position where the distal end is closer to the left edge of the upper support surface to a second position where the distal end is closer to the right edge of the upper support surface, the support assembly also having a resistance-producing assembly physically coupled, through a cable, to the distal end of the paddle member, the cable being slidably coupled to the following arm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/US12/59510 filed Oct. 10, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/545,954, filed Oct. 11, 2011; both applications are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to exercise machines and, more particularly, relates to a stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly that simulates stand-up paddle boarding in open water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Each year, millions of people throughout the world participate in the activity of stand-up paddleboarding (“SUP”) or stand-up surfing. SUP in open water involves the use of a board, typically a surfboard, and a paddle. A user utilizes the board to ride swells and waves produced in the ocean. When there are no swells or waves, the user stands on the board and paddles to propel himself or herself. This is generally accomplished by having the user place their right hand (if paddling on the right side of the board) on the shaft of the paddle and his or her left hand on the handle of the paddle. This hand placement alternates when paddling on the left side. The user then places the distal end of the paddle about 1-2 feet ahead of the user and about 6 inches submerged in the water. The user then pulls the paddle through the water in a motion similar to a rider punching with his or her top hand. Similar to a user rowing of a boat, the resistance provided by the water against the paddle causes the paddler to flex certain muscles. Most of this resistance is provided in a direction parallel to the board (i.e., the x-component).

As SUP requires the user to stabilize the board, the exercise involves significant benefits to both “core” stability and abdomen muscles and also the cardiovascular system and incorporates many more and/or different muscles than a sit-down rowing movement, including the legs and buttocks. Some users paddle board simply for fun or exercise, while others do it for serious sport competition or for training purposes. As such, simulating this process in an exercise assembly is important for many users. Actually performing SUP in open water is problematic for many users as weather, time constraints and water conditions often prevent the user from partaking in SUP. Moreover, the paddle, board, and other components used in SUP can range from $700-$1500 and often become damaged from use and from being transported. In addition, many users find it difficult and inconvenient to travel to open water to enjoy SUP.

Many known exercise devices are incapable of producing the above-described benefits involved in SUP as they are void of the necessary equipment to replicate the process. Many exercise devices do not have a paddle, or a paddle-like member, that is capable of simulating the paddling process, i.e., placing both hand on the paddle and generating resistance on the sides of the board. As such, users are not able to receive the specific muscular training involved in SUP, nor are they able to effectively train for competitions.

Those known exercise devices simulating “rowing,” or a user being in a sitting position and stroking an oar, or oar-like member, also do not effectively replicate the benefits involved in SUP. These rowing exercise devices require a user to sit down, which many users with disabilities or infirmities find difficult or impossible. Furthermore, the “propelling motion” involved in some rowing involves a back-to-front motion, while SUP involves a front-to-back propelling motion. As such, different muscle groups are involved and many users cannot effectively train for competitive sport.

In addition to the above-described deficiencies, some known exercise devices attempting to simulate SUP do not permit a user to alternate rowing on each side of the board. Said another way, they only capable of recreating the propelling motion on one side of the board. As such, these devices lack a complete assimilation to the SUP process. It also prevents the user from utilizing the muscle groups activated when paddling on the opposite side the board. Any devices that do permit a user to employ alternative paddling positions, i.e., left to right side, require the user to interrupt his or her motion and adjust the exercise device accordingly. This is problematic and inconvenient for many users as they are not able to efficiently simulate the SUP process. Therefore, no known exercise device permits a user to replicate the alternate paddling motions experienced when SUP.

Some known exercise devices attempting to simulate SUP also have the resistance of the cable originating from a point above from where the user is standing. As such, the angle of incidence of the resistance force vector, to the point where the user is standing, does not accurately reflect what is actually occurring in SUP process. This is chiefly because a user places the paddle in the water and performs a backwards sweeping motion. This sweeping motion primarily involves forces parallel to the board. Those above-described devices involve a significant amount of forces perpendicular to the board, i.e., y-component. This generates exercises that do not accurately produce the muscular and cardiovascular benefits generated by SUP. It is also counter-productive to those users who train for sport or competition, as it does not accurately mimic the process of SUP.

Those known exercise devices also fail to simulate the muscular and cardiovascular benefits to the legs, abdomen, and other muscle groups that are involved SUP. As discussed, users actually participating in SUP in open water are required to balance themselves while on the board, also referred to herein as the “balancing effect.” As balancing requires multiple muscle groups in the lower region of the body to continually work to shift weight back and forth, a user is given a more complete and expansive workout. Most, if not all, known exercise devices attempting to incorporate movements similar to SUP do not simulate this balancing effect. Furthermore, these devices do not accomplish this balancing effect safely and efficiently.

Thus, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art systems, designs, and processes as discussed above.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a stand-up paddle boarding exercise assembly that overcomes the previously-described mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that provides an exercise device mimicking the resistance subjected on user while stand-up paddle boarding in open waters.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly comprising that essentially has a paddle member with a proximal end and a distal end and a support assembly. The support assembly has an upper support surface with a left edge and a right edge, a frame separating the upper support surface from a ground surface, a following arm having a proximal end coupled to the support assembly, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and operable to rotate from a first position where the distal end is closer to the left edge of the upper support surface to a second position where the distal end is closer to the right edge of the upper support surface, with the support assembly further having a resistance-producing assembly physically coupled, through a cable, to the distal end of the paddle member, the cable being slidably coupled to the following arm.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the first and second positions of the following arm placing the distal end of the following arm beyond at least one of the left and right edges of the substantially planar upper support surface.

In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the first and second positions placing the following arm substantially co-planar with the upper support surface.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the following arm also includes an arm rotation path spanning approximately 90 degrees from each side of an outwardly extending plane defined by the upper support surface.

In accordance with yet another further feature of the present invention, the following arm rotationally pivots with respect to a point substantially collinear with a longitudinal central axis of the upper support surface.

In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the upper support surface or the board-like member is operable to oscillate with respect to the ground surface.

In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the spring elements couple the upper support surface to the frame.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the resistance-producing assembly is operable to selectively produce a resistive force on the paddle member when the distal end of the paddle member is moved in a direction away from the resistance-producing assembly.

In accordance with the present invention, a stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly has also been disclosed that includes a paddle member with a proximal end and a distal end and a support assembly with a board-like member coupled to a frame separating the board-like member from a ground surface, the board-like member being operable to have a stable static state and an unstable dynamic state and a left side and a right side. The support assembly also includes a resistance-producing assembly physically coupled, through a cable, to the distal end of the paddle member and a following arm coupled to support assembly, the following arm at least partially guiding the cable from a first position closer to the left side than the right side of the board-like member to a second position that is closer to the right side than the left side of the board-like member.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the following arm places the cable at an angle of incidence to an upper support surface of the board-like member from approximately zero to twenty-five degrees.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention the board-like member includes a substantially planar upper support surface and spring elements coupling the substantially planar upper support surface to the frame.

In accordance with the present invention, a method for simulating stand-up paddle boarding in open water including the steps of providing a stand-up paddle board exercise assembly with a paddle member with a proximal end and a distal end and a support assembly that has (1) an upper support surface and a frame separating the substantially planar upper support surface from a ground surface, the upper support surface with a left side and a right side, (2) a resistance-producing assembly physically coupled, through a cable, to the distal end of the paddle member, and (3) a following arm with a proximal end coupled to the support assembly and a distal end opposite to the proximal end, the following arm being operable to rotate from a first position where the distal end is closer to the left edge of the upper support surface to a second position where the distal end is closer to the right edge of the upper support surface. The method further includes selectively operating the paddle member in a paddling motion substantially adjacent to the left side of the upper support surface, selectively maneuvering the paddle member from the left side of the upper support surface toward the right side of the upper support surface in an uninterrupted motion, and selectively operating the paddle member in a paddling motion substantially adjacent to the right side of the upper support surface.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to elongated direction from the proximal end to the distal end of an object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective downward-looking view of a stand-up paddling boarding exercise assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2-4 show various fragmentary close-up views of a rotatable following arm couplable to the exercise assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective downward-looking view of the exercise assembly of FIG. 1 depicting a following arm and an arm rotation path resulting therefrom, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6-8 show various fragmentary partial views of cables and pulleys utilized in a resistance-producing assembly coupled to the exercise assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9-10 are perspective views of a board-like member couplable to a frame of the exercise assembly of FIG. 1 using spring elements in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a process-flow diagram representing a method of simulating stand-up paddle boarding in open water in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms

Herein, various embodiments of the present invention are described. In many of the different embodiments, features are similar. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, repetitive description of these similar features may not be made in some circumstances. It shall be understood, however, that description of a first-appearing feature applies to the later described similar feature and each respective description, therefore, is to be incorporated therein without such repetition.

The present invention provides a novel exercising assembly that efficiently and effectively simulates stand-up paddle boarding in open water, or any body of water where a user can stay afloat atop of a board and operate a paddle. Embodiments of the invention provide an exercise assembly that advantageously permits a user to simulate standing on a board-like member and operate a paddle in a paddling motion between both the left and right sides of the board as the user would in the water. Also similar to a user in the water, the present invention permits a user to carry out this operation in an uninterrupted motion. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide a stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly that simulates the balancing motion a user is required to do when staying afloat atop the water.

Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a first exemplary embodiment of a stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly 100. Although the present invention is couched as an assembly utilized for exercising, it may be employed for other activities such as training, stress relief, rehabilitation, and other activities or purposes. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly 100 includes a paddle member 102 and a support assembly 104. The support assembly 104 includes a board-like member 106, a frame 108, a following arm 110, and a resistance-producing assembly 112.

The board-like member 106 has an upper surface 114 that displays characteristics of a board used for stand-up paddle boarding. As such, the term “board-like” is defined as a structure generally having a substantially planar upper surface or having a substantially slender and elongated body. For example, the board-like member 106 of FIG. 1 shows a substantially planar, i.e., relatively flat, upper surface 114 displaying features similar to those of a standard surfboard. The substantially planar upper surface 114 of the board-like member 106 may also include slight curvatures or raised areas without deviating from being substantially planar. During use of the inventive exercise assembly 100, the user is able to stand on the flat upper surface 114 and perform exercise that simulates paddling. The board-like member 106 may be made from composites, light-weight metals, polymers, or other material capable to support the weight of an average-sized, and above-sized, adult, e.g., approximately 180-400 lbs.

A paddle member 102 is shown coupled to the following arm 110 with a cable 116. As the exercise assembly 100 simulates SUP, the assembly 100 includes a singular paddle member 102 that is elongated to allow a user to operate and carry out a paddling motion next each side of the board-like member 106. The paddle member 102 has a free end 118 and a distal end 120 where the cable 116 is connected. The distal end 120 of the paddle member 102 is defined as the point on the paddle member 102 where the cable is attached. Although the cable 116 is shown coupled to both the distal end 120 of the paddle member 102 and the following arm 110, the cable 116 may extend, and couple, to other portions of the resistance-producing assembly 112 and/or frame 102. When the assembly 100 is in use, the user stands on top of the board-like member 106 and alternates paddling from the left side of the board to the right side of the board, similar to SUP in open water. The paddle member 102 may be sized for users of different heights, but generally has a handle at the free end 118 and a shaft, separating the free end 118, also referred to as the proximal end, and the distal end 120, where the user places their hand.

Advantageously, the distal end 120 of the paddle member 102 is connected through the cable 116 to the following arm 110 that is operable to rotate in a direction toward and away from both the left and right sides 122, 124 of the board-like member 106. Said in another way, the following arm 110 is also operable to rotate to the left and right edges 126, 128 of the upper surface 114. Left and right are determined in relation to a longitudinal axis line 130, typically the central longitudinal axis line. The following arm 110, which is slidably coupled with the cable 116, permits the user to effectively alternative the propelling motion of paddling on either side of the board-like member 106. In other embodiments of the present invention, the following arm 110 may slide from a position collinear with one or more portions of the right edge 128 to a position collinear with one or more portions of the left edge 126 of the board-like member 106.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate views of following arm 110 as used in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 depicts a fragmentary close-up view of the following arm 110 coupled to the frame 108, with the board-like member 106 removed. In one embodiment, the following arm 110 is attached at a location on the frame 108 between the distal end of the board-like member 106 and the rotational component, e.g., flywheel, of the resistance-producing assembly 112. This allows the cable 116 (shown in FIG. 1) to be effectively guided to a position exiting the following arm 110 where a user can simulate the propelling motion created from SUP. In other embodiments, the following arm 110 may be attached to the board-like member 106 (shown in FIG. 1) at a position beyond where the user stands or may be placed in other locations and configurations consistent with carrying out a paddling motion by the user.

FIG. 3 depicts the one exemplary method of coupling the following arm 110 to the frame 108. As shown, the frame 108 defines an aperture 300 sized to receive a portion 302 of the following arm 110 having a rounded surface. The portion 302 is slid through the aperture 300 and retained using a fastening element, e.g., a washer and a nut/bolt. The frame 108 can also be seen having a plate 304, or other structure, located beneath a portion of the following arm 110 that restricts and defines the outer bounds of rotational movement. As such, in one embodiment, the following arm 110 is prevented from rotating to a position where a distal end 306 of the following arm 110 is below the board-like member 106.

FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of the following arm 110 assembled from three sections, 400, 402, 404. In other embodiments, the following arm may be formed into a single structure through material forming methods such as casting or forging. The following arm 110 includes at least two guiding elements 406, 408, e.g., pulleys, coupled thereto. In one embodiment, the following arm 110 is adjustable in length 410 to make sure the distal end 306 is placed in a position sufficient to replicate the propelling motion of SUP. As such, the following arm 110 may have one to five different lengths that may be adjustable by the user. In other embodiments, the following arm 110 may have a pre-defined or various other-sized lengths 410 and the following arm 110 may have more than two guiding elements 406, 408.

With reference now to FIG. 5, in one embodiment the following arm 110 has a first position (as shown in FIG. 5) and a second position (not shown) along an arm rotation path 500 (represented with an arrow). In one embodiment, the first and second positions place the distal end 306 of the following arm 110 past, or beyond, one or more portion of either the left or right sides 122, 124 of the board-like member 106 or the left and right edges 126, 128 of the substantially planar upper support surface 114. As shown in FIG. 5, the guiding element 406 on the following arm 110 is past, e.g., by about 1-2 inches, the right side 124 of the board-like member 106. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the second position of the following arm is placed in a position 180 degrees in relation to the first position, relative to the rotational pivot point of the following arm 110. This advantageously permits the user to carry out a backwards stoke with the paddle member 102. As the following arm 110 is operable to rotate along the arm rotation path 500, the user simply lifts the paddle member 102 in a continuous or uninterrupted motion toward the other side 122 to carry out another backwards stroke. This uninterrupted paddling motion simulates the paddling process employed in SUP in open water. In one embodiment, the first position of the following arm 110 is closer to the left edge 126 of the of the upper support surface 114 than the right edge 128. In other embodiments, the second position of the following arm 110 is closer to the right edge 128 than the left edge 126 of the upper support surface 114.

In another embodiment, the first and second positions place the following arm 110 substantially co-planar with the upper support surface 114 or board-like member 106. FIG. 5 depicts the following arm 110 in the first position that is substantially co-planar with the upper support surface 114. The term “substantially co-planar” is defined as two or more surfaces on a structure sharing the same plane or two or more surfaces being offset about 0-6 inches from sharing the same plane. Contrary to those exercise devices where the resistance force vector originates from a height above the board-like member 106, this exemplary embodiment provides a resistance force vector, e.g., the cable 116 (shown in FIG. 1), primarily in the direction substantially parallel with the board-like member 106. Therefore, the user experiences a more real-life propelling motion, i.e., primarily in the x-direction relative to the upper surface 114 of the board-like member 106. When the force vector originates from a height above the board-like member 106, although there may be an x-component of force experienced by the user, the force vector has a substantial y-component relative to the upper surface 114 of the board-like member 106.

In other embodiments, the arm rotation path 500 spans approximately 90 degrees from each side of an outwardly extending plane 502 defined by the upper support surface 114. As shown in FIG. 5, the plane 502 is perpendicular to the central longitudinal line 130 of the upper support surface 114. The sides of the plane 502 include the left side (generally facing the left side 122 of the board-like member 106) and the right side (generally facing the right side 124 of the board-like member 106). In other embodiments, the arm rotation path 500 may extend less or more than 90 degrees, as well as span from planes originating from other portions of the upper surface 114 of the board-like member 106. In further embodiments, the following arm 110 rotationally pivots with respect to a point substantially collinear with a longitudinal central axis 130 of the upper support surface 114. “Substantially collinear” is defined as two objects, points, or structures sharing the same line, or being offset in a radial direction of about 0-3 inches from sharing the same line. In other embodiments, the following arm 110 may be placed in, or pivotal about, another location wherein the distal end 306 permits the cable to be aligned and/or adjacent to the sides 122, 124 of the board-like member 106.

Referring briefly back to FIG. 1, the cable 116 can be seen to be slidably coupled to the following arm 110. The cable 116 is also coupled to the resistance-producing assembly 112, which provides a resistance against movement of the paddle member 102 away from the arm 110. In one embodiment, the resistance-producing assembly 112 includes a series of pulleys through which one or more cables are supported while the paddleboard exercise assembly 100 is being utilized. The cables physically couple the resistance-producing assembly 112 to the paddle member 102, thereby producing resistance similar to a user paddling in the open water. The series of pulleys may rotate independently of each other and may be coupled to the frame 108, or other portions of the support assembly 104. In further embodiments, the pulleys may activate a flywheel using a clutch assembly. Various embodiments of the resistance-producing assembly 112, the resistance-producing assembly's 112 components, and their implementation in accordance with the present invention are discussed in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/520,152, filed Jun. 29, 2012 (corresponding to International Application No. PCT/US2011/063083), which is commonly owned by the same person or entity as the present application and are incorporated herein.

In one described embodiment, as the user paddles, the paddle member 102 experiences a resistive force as it moves away from the following arm 110 and the cable 116 is quickly reeled in as the paddle member 102 moves toward the following arm 110. When the user brings the paddle member 102 from, for example, the right side 124 of the board-like member 106 to the left side 122 of the board-like member 106, following arm 110 follows and moves to the left side (i.e. the second position along the arm rotation path 500 (shown in FIG. 5)) in correspondence to the paddle member 102. The user can then mimic the paddle movement on the left side and feel a resistance to the paddle provided by the resistance-producing assembly 112.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate components and features of the resistance-producing assembly 112. In one embodiment, FIG. 6 depicts the flywheel assembly 600, including a clutch assembly (not shown), coupled to a distal end 602 of the frame 108. The flywheel assembly 600 is shown positioned beyond the following arm 110 to permit the user to effectively carrying the propelling motion experienced when SUP. In other embodiments, the flywheel assembly 600 may be located or positioned on other sections of the frame 108.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the flywheel assembly 600 may generate energy from its rotation sufficient power a display 604, such as a video monitor. The monitor can be used to show, for instance, a video of actual paddle boarding, but the invention is, of course, not limited to any specific content displayed on the video monitor. In accordance with one embodiment, the device can be communicatively connected to one or more other similar devices and the monitor can be used to display interactive racing between the devices, which reflect the amount of work being performed on each individual device and measured against the others. Other exemplary uses of power created through the resistance-producing assembly 112 can include powering an audio device, charging electronic devices, such as cellular phones, powering a fan for cooling the user, powering lights, and many others.

In further embodiments, the display 604 may be configured to receive input of the performing athlete's, or user's, weight. The user's weight may be received from one or more sensors coupled with the board-like member 106. The user's weight is then used estimate performance in real-life conditions while SUP. This function, managed through an algorithm, ensures that the unique user specific data output for each display 604, or Ergometer, is specific to the weight of the athlete that is using it. This output data will ensure that the distance covered, speed and other data parameters are relevant to real on-the-water comparative performance measurements.

The On-Board Console, or display 604, can be calibrated to ensure local condition, resistance adjusted, humidity, altitude and local temperature consistency and accuracy of data output and consistency between SUP Ergometers. This function ensures that wherever two or more exercise assemblies, in accordance with the above-described features, are physically located, the correct locally adjusted data will be displayed on the display 604. This local condition data adjustment is imperative when the assembly 100 to assembly 100 racing capability is used.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an exemplary implementation of pulleys 406, 408, 606, 700, 702, 704, 706, 708 and one or more cables 116 used to in combination the resistance-producing assembly 112. Furthermore, the exemplary pulleys 406, 408, 606, 700, 702, 704, 706, 708 and one or more cables 116 can be seen to facilitate the resistance-producing assembly 112 in physically coupling with the paddle member 102. In other embodiments, more or less pulleys 406, 408, 606, 700, 702, 704, 706, 708 and/or cables 116 may be utilized and said pulleys and cables may be positioned or configured in alternative configurations.

In one embodiment, the paddle member 102 may be a predefined length, sized for an adult with an average height. FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the paddle member 102 wherein it is operable to be adjustable in length. This advantageously permits a user to adjust the resistance experienced (through what is known in the art as a “moment arm”) by proportionally increasing the user's hand placement away from the distal end 120 of the paddle member 102. Said another way, the greater distance a user places his or her hands away from the distal end 120 of the paddle member 102 increase the resistance felt by the user. Conversely, the user may reduce the resistance felt by moving his or her hands closer to the distal end 120. The adjustable length of the paddle member 102 also provides a user more comfort and greater versatility. In one embodiment, the user may adjust the length of the paddle member 102 by turning a fastener 800 located at the proximal end 118. In other embodiments, the paddle member 102 may utilize other fasteners.

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict one exemplary embodiment of a board-like member 900 being couplable to the frame 108. To effectively simulate the complete experience of SUP, the board-like member 900 may be operable to have a stable static state and an unstable dynamic state. When the board-like member 900 experiences equally distributed weight to each side 902, 904 of the board-like member 900, e.g., those portions adjacent to a longitudinal axis 906, it may be considered to be in a “stable state.” When the board-like member 900 experiences unequally distributed weight to each side upper surface 902, 904 of the board-like member 900, it may be considered to be in a “dynamic state.” Therefore, when a user stands on the board-like member, the board 900 actively tilts/pivots/moves in a way that simulates the stability/instability of a board atop of water.

The board-like member 900 is shown in FIG. 9 being couplable to a frame 908 that separates the board-like member 900 from a ground surface 910. In one embodiment, the board-like member 900, including the upper surface 912 of the board 900, is located approximately 9-15 inches above the ground surface 910. In other embodiments, the board-like member 900, including the upper surface 912 of the board-like member 900, is more or less than approximately 9-15 inches above the ground surface 910, but is a sufficient distance separating the ground surface 910 such that the device 913 is operable to simulate the above-described paddling motion of SUP.

In one embodiment, the board-like member 900 employs a plurality of spring-type elements 914 coupling the board-like member 900, which includes the upper surface 912, to the frame 108. The spring elements 914 provide a slight amount of instability to the board and simulate actual movement of a surfboard atop a body of water. In other embodiments, the spring elements 914 may be placed in various locations on the frame, and may have various “spring constants,” to control the desired stability/instability of the board-like member 900 or upper surface 912. FIG. 10 illustrates placement of the spring elements 914 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Still referring to FIG. 9, in another embodiment, the left and rights edges 916, 918 (or sides 920, 922) of the upper support surface 912 are operable to oscillate with respect to the ground surface 910. This allows the edges 916, 918 to move up and down with respect to the ground surface 910, thereby simulating the stabilization required by a user when SUP in a body of water. The board-like member 900, frame 908, and other components of the exercise assembly 913 may be made from polymers, composites, metals, and other various materials and components without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In accordance with the above-described exercise assembly, one beneficial feature of the present invention permits the user to effectively and efficiently replicate the paddling process utilized in SUP within a body of water. This may be accomplished by having the following arm 110 placing the cable 116 at an angle of incidence or angle of resistance (represented by the angle theta θ) to an upper support surface 114 of the board-like member 106 that ranges approximately from zero degrees to twenty-five degrees. This may include angle variations of approximately −/+10 degrees. Said another way, the resistance force experienced by the user when replicating the propelling motion, may be parallel to the board-like member 106 (i.e., having a directional force primarily consisting of an x-component) or slightly elevated above the board-like member 106. Opposed to those other known exercise devices that subject a user to resistance forces consisting of substantially equal directional forces in the x and y direction relative to the board-like member 106 when paddling, the present invention allows a user to experience a more true-to-form process of SUP.

FIG. 11 depicts a process flow diagram representing the inventive method of simulating SUP in open water. The process starts at step 1100 and immediately proceeds to step 1102 of providing a SUP exercise assembly having all or most of the above-described features or components. More specifically, in one embodiment, the exercise assembly has a frame, a rotatable following arm, a board like member, and a paddle member. The inventive process proceeds to step 1104 of selectively operating the paddle member in a paddling motion substantially adjacent to the left side of the substantially planar upper support surface. Subsequently, the process extends to step 1106 of selectively maneuvering the stand-up paddle from the left side of the substantially planar upper support surface toward the right side of the substantially planar upper support surface in an uninterrupted motion. The uninterrupted motion excludes interruptions originating from sources external to the exercise assembly, e.g., the user. As such, the user may efficiently and effectively change paddling positions, thereby mimicking the SUP process. The next step 1108 includes selectively operating the stand-up paddle in a paddling motion substantially adjacent to the right side of the substantially planar upper support surface. The process terminates at step 1110. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly comprising: a paddle member with a proximal end and a distal end; and a support assembly having: an upper support surface with a left edge and a right edge; a frame separating the upper support surface from a ground surface; a following arm having a proximal end coupled to the support assembly, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and operable to rotate from a first position where the distal end is closer to the left edge of the upper support surface to a second position where the distal end is closer to the right edge of the upper support surface; and a resistance-producing assembly physically coupled, through a cable, to the distal end of the paddle member, the cable being slidably coupled to the following arm.
 2. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the first and second positions place the distal end of the following arm beyond at least one of the left and right edges of the substantially planar upper support surface.
 3. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 2, wherein: the first and second positions place the following arm substantially co-planar with the upper support surface.
 4. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 1, wherein the following arm further comprises: an arm rotation path spanning approximately 90 degrees from each side of an outwardly extending plane defined by the upper support surface.
 5. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the following arm rotationally pivots with respect to a point substantially collinear with a longitudinal central axis of the upper support surface.
 6. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the upper support surface is operable to oscillate with respect to the ground surface.
 7. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support assembly further comprises: spring elements coupling the upper support surface to the frame.
 8. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the resistance-producing assembly is operable to selectively produce a resistive force on the paddle member when the distal end of the paddle member is moved in a direction away from the resistance-producing assembly.
 9. A stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly comprising: a paddle member with a proximal end and a distal end; and a support assembly having: a board-like member coupled to a frame separating the board-like member from a ground surface, the board-like member: operable to have a stable static state and an unstable dynamic state; and having a left side and a right side, a resistance-producing assembly physically coupled, through a cable, to the distal end of the paddle member; and a following arm coupled to support assembly, the following arm at least partially guiding the cable from a first position closer to the left side than the right side of the board-like member to a second position that is closer to the right side than the left side of the board-like member.
 10. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 9, wherein: the board-like member oscillates with respect to the ground surface.
 11. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 9, wherein: the following arm places the cable at an angle of incidence to an upper support surface of the board-like member from approximately zero to twenty-five degrees.
 12. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 9, wherein the following arm further comprises: a proximal end coupled to the support assembly, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and operable to rotate from a first position where the distal end is closer to the left edge of the upper support surface to a second position where the distal end is closer to the right edge of the upper support surface.
 13. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 12, wherein: the first and second positions place the distal end of the following arm beyond at least one of the left and right edges of the substantially planar upper support surface.
 14. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 13, wherein: the first and second positions place the following arm substantially co-planar with the board-like member.
 15. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 9, wherein the following arm further comprises: an arm rotation path spanning 90 degrees from each side of an upwardly extending plane defined by a longitudinal axis of an upper support surface of the board-like member.
 16. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 9, wherein the board-like member further comprises: a substantially planar upper support surface and spring elements coupling the substantially planar upper support surface to the frame.
 17. A method simulating stand-up paddle boarding in open water, the method comprising the steps of: providing a stand-up paddle board exercise assembly having: a paddle member with a proximal end and a distal end; and a support assembly having: an upper support surface and a frame separating the substantially planar upper support surface from a ground surface, the upper support surface with a left side and a right side; a resistance-producing assembly physically coupled, through a cable, to the distal end of the paddle member; and a following arm with a proximal end coupled to the support assembly and a distal end opposite to the proximal end, the following arm being operable to rotate from a first position where the distal end is closer to the left edge of the upper support surface to a second position where the distal end is closer to the right edge of the upper support surface; selectively operating the paddle member in a paddling motion substantially adjacent to the left side of the upper support surface; selectively maneuvering the paddle member from the left side of the upper support surface toward the right side of the upper support surface in an uninterrupted motion; and selectively operating the paddle member in a paddling motion substantially adjacent to the right side of the upper support surface.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: the first and second positions of the following arm place the distal end of the following arm beyond at least one of the left and right sides of the upper support surface.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: the first and second positions place the following arm substantially co-planar with the upper support surface.
 20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the following arm further comprises: an arm rotation path spanning 90 degrees from each side of an upwardly extending plane defined by a longitudinal axis of the upper support surface. 